I was speaking with someone recently who was seeking clarity on the path forward on their career. As we talked through the options ahead, I found myself returning to a simple three part framework I use:
1. Be clear about what you’re solving for.
At any given point, you can only truly optimize for one or two things – factors like learning, balance, growth, compensation, or impact. Clarity here anchors everything else.
Pro tip: Write it down.
Keep a written version you can reference. There’s something about the act of writing that forces clarity. It helps you see what you’re truly solving for versus what just sounds good.
2. Articulate the trade-offs of what you’re solving for.
When you choose to optimize for a few things, you’re implicitly giving up others. That’s not failure, it’s the sign of a good strategy. The key is to know what you’re giving up and make peace with it.
3. Keep re-evaluating every 6-12 months.
What you’re solving for today might not be what you’ll solve for six months from now. It almost certainly won’t be what you’re solving for two years from now. Revisit the equation often.
If you’re clear about what you’re solving for, aware of the trade-offs, and willing to re-evaluate – you’re making thoughtful choices.
And ultimately, that’s the best any of us can do.
